Articles explaining SSDI terms

Definitions Index

• Advocate representative
  How to File SSDI with an SSDI Representative Advocate

  Describes who can serve as an SSDI advocate representative (attorneys, non‑attorney advocates, or even qualified friends/family) and outlines the Compassionate Allowance fast‑track option.

• Blue Book (SSA Blue Book)
  How to Use the SSA Blue Book for Your SSDI Claim

  Explains the purpose and organization of the SSA’s official listings of impairments and how claimants can use the Blue Book to determine if their condition meets a listing.

• Compassionate Allowance
  How to Qualify for a Compassionate Allowance: Fast‑Tracking SSDI Benefits

  Defines the CAL program and explains how certain severe conditions automatically meet disability criteria, allowing applicants to bypass the standard waiting period.

• DDS Examiner
  What Is a DDS Examiner?

  Defines the role of a DDS (Disability Determination Services) examiner and explains how their assessments help determine disability claims.

• DI numbers
  How to Use SSA DI Numbers in POMS and the Blue Book

  Explains that DI numbers are reference codes in the SSA’s POMS manual for locating procedural instructions and cross‑referencing Blue Book listings.

• Function Report (SSA-3373-BK)
  How to Complete SSA Form 3373-BK (Function Report) for SSDI Claims

  Explains what a Function Report is, why SSA uses it, and how to complete each section so your daily-activity limits are clear and consistent.

• Medical impairment
  What Is a Medical Impairment for SSDI?

  Defines a medical impairment as a medically determinable physical or mental condition that significantly limits basic work activities and is expected to last at least twelve months or result in death.

• POMS manual
  Mastering the SSDI POMS: A Complete Guide

  Introduces the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) as the SSA’s procedural handbook and explains its hierarchical structure and relationship to the Code of Federal Regulations.

• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
  What Is RFC? Understanding Residual Functional Capacity

  Explains how SSA uses RFC to describe the tasks a person can still perform (e.g., sitting, standing, lifting, focusing) and why the RFC assessment is crucial to disability claims.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  SSDI Rules and Regulations

  Defines SSDI as a federal insurance program that pays monthly benefits to people unable to work due to a disabling condition and introduces the SSA’s Program Operations Manual System.

• SSDI grid
  Understanding the SSDI Grid: A Simple Guide to a Complex System

  Describes the medical‑vocational guidelines (the “grid”) that combine age, education, work history and physical ability to determine if a claimant can adjust to other work.

• SSDI representative
  What Is an SSDI Representative?

  Defines an SSDI representative as a person (attorney or non‑attorney) authorized by federal law to act on a claimant’s behalf in dealings with the SSA.

• SSDI representative vs. advocate
  SSDI Representative vs. Advocate: What’s the Real Difference?

  Clarifies the difference between an official representative (authorized to represent claimants before the SSA) and a general advocate who can provide support but not formal representation.

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
  What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

  Defines SGA and explains the income thresholds used by SSA to determine whether a claimant’s work is substantial and gainful, including current monthly limits.

• Thymic carcinoma
  Thymic Carcinoma Now on SSA’s Compassionate Allowance List

  Defines thymic carcinoma as a rare, aggressive cancer of the thymus gland and notes that it has been added to the SSA’s Compassionate Allowance list.

• Work credits
  Do You Have Enough Work Credits for SSDI? 2025 Guide

  Defines work credits, explains how they’re earned, and describes the recent work test and duration of work test used to determine eligibility.